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08. Central School Museum - Conditional Use PermitAgenda -October 6, 1997 AGENDA ITEM 8 - CENTRAL SCHOOL MUSEUM CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BACKGROUND/CONSIDERATION: I have enclosed the report from the Planning and Zoning Commission in reference to their action on the request from the City regarding a Conditional Use Permit for the Central School renovation. The school is in a P-1 zone and fists museum usage as a conditional use. The planning staff `s summary is enclosed with this report. RECOMMENDATION: Based upon the staff findings, the unanimous vote by the commission, and the Council's desire to complete this project, I concur with the recommendation for approval of the Conditional Use Permit. Since the plans and bidding documents are currently being finalized, we need to continue to assure that all of the procedures for this project are complete prior to the receipt of the bids for this project. ACTION REQUIRED: APPROVAL of the Conditional Use Permit can be done by MOTION. City of Kalispell P. O. Box 1997 Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 GRANT OF CONDITIONAL USE APPLICANT: City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell MT 59903-1997 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The rehabilitation and reuse of an existing historical building, Central School, for operation as a museum located between First Avenue East and Second Avenue East and between First Street East and Second Street East and contains an area of approximately one acre. The property can be described as the East half of Block 44, Lots 1 Through 6, Kalispell Original located in Section 7, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead County Montana. OWNER: City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell MT 59903-1997 Public, P-1 The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to allow the rehabilitation and reuse of Central School, which will serve as a regional museum and educational center. The three story building contains approximately 6,644 square feet on the basement, first and second floors. The attic contains approximately 6,200 square feet. The City of Kalispell has contracted with the Northwest Montana Historical Society through a long-term lease agreement to operate, manage and maintain the facility as a museum. The Kalispell City -County Planning Board and Zoning Commission, after due and proper notice, on September 9, 1997, held a public hearing on the application, took public comment and recommended that the application be approved. j:\wp\cup.Central School 1 and after duly considering the matter, the City Council of the City of Kalispell, pursuant to the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance, hereby adopts Flathead Regional Development Office, Conditional Use Report #KCU-97-8 as the Council s findings of fact, and issues and grants to the above -described real property a conditional use permit to allow the rehabilitation and reuse of Central School to serve as a regional museum and educational center. The conditional use permit, herein granted, shall terminate 18 months from the date of issuance if commencement of the authorized activity has not begun. Dated this day of , 1997. Douglas D. Rauthe, Mayor STATE OF MONTANA ) SS County of Flathead ) On this day of , 1997 before me, a Notary Public, personally appeared Douglas D. Rauthe, Mayor of the City of Kalispell, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same on behalf of the City of Kalispell. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal, the day and year first above written. Notary Public, State of Montana Residing at Kalispell, Montana My Commission Expires c j:\wp\cup.Central School 2 Flathead regional Development Office 723 5th Avenue East - Room 414 Kalispell, Montana 59901 Phone: (406) 758-5980 Fax: (406) 758-5781 September 17, 1997 Clarence Krepps, City Manager City of Kalispell P.O. Drawer 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903 Re: Central School Museum Conditional Use Permit Dear Clarence: The Kalispell City -County Planning Board held a public hearing at their regular meeting of September 9, 1997 to considered a request by the City of Kalispell for a conditional use permit to allow the rehabilitation and reuse of an existing historical building, Central School, which would serve as a regional museum and educational center. The property is zoned P-1, a Public, zoning district which lists museums as a conditionally permitted use. The building is located at 124 Second Avenue East. A staff report was presented by Narda Wilson of the Flathead Regional Development Office who recommended approval of the project stating that it would be an asset to the community. She believed that it would provide economic stimulus to the downtown area and provide a way to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the community. She stated that the staff did not have a recommendation for conditions as the site was developed and complies with zoning requirements. Ross Plambeck, representing the City, explained the uses proposed for the four floors of the building and how the renovation process would proceed. Three other people spoke in favor of the project. They described the hard work, vision and commitment the community has invested in the project. They stated they believe the renovation of Central School would be a tremendous asset to the community. No other public testimony was given. The planning board members were very supportive of the project and pleased that the city council and historical society were working toward the preservation of the building. They also agreed that the museum /educational center would be an asset to the community. They discussed the parking in the area, and concluded that the parking required by the zoning ordinance had been met and any potential problems could be resolved over time. Providing Community Planning Assistance To: • Flathead County • City of Columbia Falls • City of Kalispell • City of Whitefish • Central School Museum Conditional Use Permit September 17, 1997 Page 2 The planning board adopted the staff report #KCU-97-8 as findings of fact with a unanimous vote and are recommending that the city council grant the conditional use permit with no conditions. Please schedule this matter for the October 6, 1997 regular city council meeting. You may contact this board or Narda Wilson at the Flathead Regional Development Office if you have any questions regarding this matter. Respectfully submitted, CITY-COUNTYKALISPELL COMMISSION —1tJ." ,.- �;_ k)�A Therese Fox Hash President TFH/NW/eo Attachments: FRDO Report #KCU-97-8 and back-up materials Draft Minutes from the 9/9/97 Planning Board meeting c: Debbie Gifford, City Clerk w/Att H: \... \TRANSMIT\KALISPELL\97\KCU97-8 KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING AUGUST 12, 1997 Workshop / Master At 5:30 p.m. there was a brief workshop session to discuss the draft Plan Update survey prepared for the Master Plan update. Steve Kountz was instructed to reserve the meeting room for September 16' for the first scoping meeting. CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Kalispell City -County Planning AND ROLL CALL Board and Zoning Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Narda Wilson. The first item of business was to appoint a Chair Pro Tern to conduct the meeting. CHAIR PRO TEM Milt Carlson was nominated and unanimously voted to chair the regularly scheduled meeting of the Kalispell City -County Planning Board and Zoning Commission. Board members present were Walter Bahr, Mike Conner, Jean Johnson, Robert Sanders and Milt Carlson. Board members absent were Therese Hash, Bob Lopp, Pam Kennedy and Joe Brenneman (all excused). The Flathead Regional Development Office was represented by Steve Kountz, Senior Planner and Narda Wilson, Senior Planner. There were 5 people in the audience. APPROVAL OF The minutes of the meeting of July 8, 1997 were approved as written on MINUTES a motion by Conner, second by Bahr. DNRC & CITY The first public hearing was introduced on a request by the Montana ZONE CHANGE Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the City of UPON Kalispell for annexation into the city of Kalispell and initial zoning of ANNEXATION / P-1, Public, on property located in the Highway 93 North Zoning FROM AG-80 TO District and is zoned AG-80, Agricultural. The area proposed for P-1 annexation contains approximately 160 acres and is proposed to be developed for the City's Youth Athletic Complex. The property is located at the northwest corner of Highway 93 North and Four Mile Drive directly across from the community college. Staff Report Wilson gave a detailed presentation of report #KA-97-5. She submitted a corrected vicinity map which included the entire quarter section of 160 acres, instead of the 138 acres in the legal notice. The proposal for annexation is a culmination of many months of work with the City of Kalispell, Department of Natural Resources, and the community for the relocation of the ball fields to this site. There have been several public 1 hearings involving the environmental assessment done in the area, which the State required prior to leasing the land. The State Lands office will also be annexed. The request was evaluated in accordance with the statutory basis for a change in zoning, and based on the findings, staff recommended the property be zoned P-1 upon annexation into the City. Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to proponents of the request. In Favor Mike Baker, Kalispell's Director for the Parks and Recreation, spoke in favor of the annexation. He presented an overview of the project, and explained the initial phasing plan. The intention is to have a well for the irrigation needs, and it will be on city services. He answered questions regarding the project. No one else spoke in favor. The public hearing was opened to those opposed to the P-1 zoning designation upon annexation. Opposition Jerry Gillies, 110 North Haven Drive, was not sure that the residents in North Haven had statutorily been notified of the annexation. I am against the annexation of the area. At the beginning of this whole project, I wasn't made aware of discussions of annexation to the City. I think the cost estimates to the taxpayers are not all brought out, so they are not aware of the total cost of what this project will be. I oppose the annexation. I am also the water operator for North Haven Heights, and have concern about the well for irrigation on this site, which may have an impact on our water. We have not received any information saying that the well and irrigation system will not hamper or hazard the 26 homes in North Haven Heights. Carlson noted that the Planning Board can only recommend that when the City takes up the issue of annexation the proper designation for zoning be placed on the property. We do not recommend annexation. There being no other opponents, the public hearing was closed and the meeting opened to Board discussion. Board Discussion There was discussion on the traffic flow, water and sewer service, and projected 10 year build -out for the complex. Bahr asked if the North Haven residents had been notified of the annexation? Wilson replied that state statute requires that those properties within 150 feet of the area to be annexed be notified. In this case, there was a 2 petition to annex, and those parties were aware of what is happening. State statute does not require the notification of adjoining landowners for a petition to annex. There is a requirement in the zoning ordinance that a public hearing be held before the °Planning Board to determine the most appropriate zoning designation, which requires publication in the paper 10 days prior to the meeting. Notification was published July 27. Johnson clarified that Mr. Gillies was speaking for himself, only, and not representing the North Haven Heights homeowners. He appreciated his concern regarding the well, but that was not a zoning issue and would be the purview of DNRC. Motion Bahr moved that the Kalispell City -County Planning Board and Zoning Commission adopt staff report #KA-97-5 as findings of fact and forward a recommendation to the City Council that the initial zoning on the property upon annexation should be P-1. Sanders seconded. On a roll call vote Johnson, Bahr, Conner, Sanders and Carlson voted aye. The motion carried unanimously in favor. HERRON The next public hearing was introduced on a request by Dallas Herron / DEVELOPMENT Herron Development for a conditional use permit to allow the storage of CONDITIONAL bulk fuel oil and petroleum products and the relocation of a petroleum USE PERMIT product packaging facility in the B-5, Commercial Industrial, and I-1, Light Industrial zoning districts. The properties proposed for this use contain approximately 2.5 acres and are located at 640 West Montana Street between 6' Avenue West and 8`' Avenue West, south of West Montana Street. Staff Report Wilson gave a detailed presentation of report #KCU-97-6. Based on the evaluation of the application, in accordance with all the necessary criteria, staff recommended the condional use permit be granted subject to 10 conditions. Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to proponents of the proposal. In Favor Dallas Herron, 131 Hilltop, Kalispell, gave a brief background on Valcon since it's inception in the late 1940's, and the series of events that have led to the most recent proposal. They feel the project would put the properties to a better use. would solve some safety issues. It would reduce traffic flows, and move away from the track problems. The building / property passed structural and environmental inspections. He went through the enhancements that would benefit both their 3 employees and the general public that are proposed in conjunction with this project. He requested a favorable recommendation. Dave Meredith, Clarke & Meredith, architects for the project, 2564 Hwy 2 East, Kalispell. He gave a more detailed report to explain the consolidation of services, and what it will mean to that part of Kalispell. On the map he showed the current truck routes that Valcon uses. The permit we are asking for is to put the packaging plant inside the warehouse and relocate the bulk fuel storage. That will allow us to eliminate the traffic patterns that exist on Center Street, West Montana Street, and the 5' Avenue WN. The project will be done in four phases, which includes relocating the packaging plant in the warehouse, a retail improvement, which will occur where their card island is now, and moving the operation. Phase 4 would move the Valcon offices so that the existing office building can be remodeled. He addressed the conditions. They agree with all the conditions, however requested that the language for conditions #3 and #4 reflect the phasing. On #3, we question the need to pave the alley and driveway on the east and west sides of the building. We would pave the alley to the extent that it would be used as an access to the parking lot, but there is no traffic generated beyond that point. The majority of the loading/unloading occurs at the south end of the building. I would like to see the east driveway and parking lot be paved when the office building is improved and occupied. Paving it now, when we know we will be digging it up is a waste of money. There is no need for parking right now. On the west side of the building, we would like to pave to a point that is at the north side of the warehouse and then use dust abatement on the gravel surfaces remaining. On #4, I assume the ten employee parking spaces is based on the size of the warehouse. There are actually 1 '/z full time employees. The truck drivers don't park, they are driving the truck, so the actual need is for 2. We have lots of room for parking, but what we are asking is that we pave the parking lot when we do phase 2, when the office employees move over with the retail phase. He was available for questions. Jerry Stahlberg, owns the property to the east and south. His major concern was fire protection. Their building has only a 2 inch water line to it, and an 8 inch sewer line. I am not opposed to the proposal, at all. I am just concerned about the fire suppression. No one else spoke either in favor or in opposition. The public hearing was closed. 4 It was noted for the record that a letter was included in the packet from Doris Sonstelie, in opposition to the project. Staff received a phone call from Sharon Howard, an adjacent property owner, who had no objection, but added that Railroad Street should be extended to Meridian. Board Discussion There was discussion on the availability of services, and the ongoing situation with the railroad tracks. Meredith informed the Board that there was adequate infrastructure to develop the Valcon property. The traffic patterns and problems in the area were discussed. The suggestion to extend Railroad Street made sense, and the Board thought that Council should consider that. The applicant's request to modify the language in condition #3 and 94 was discussed. The recommended paving is required by the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance and a variance would have to be granted, which is not the purview of the Planning Board. Staff suggested to modify the language as follows: #3: "That the driveways and alley along the east and west sides of the building be paved as the site becomes occupied, ..." 94: "That the required number of a mipAmum ofw employee parking spaces and a loading area shall be provided...." The change in language was acceptable to the applicant. Motion Conner moved to adopt report #KCU-97-6 as findings of fact and recommend to City Council that the conditional use permit be granted subject to the ten (10) conditions as revised in #3, #4, and corrected spelling in #8. Bahr seconded. On a roll call vote the motion carried on a vote of 5-0 in favor. OLD BUSINESS Wilson gave an update on the relocation of the Animal Shelter. A public hearing will be held before the County Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment will not have the authority to grant or deny the conditional use permit. It will be a forum for public comment and 5 information, only. The hearing is scheduled for September 2nd. It was unanimous to change the meeting time back to 7:00 p.m. The September meeting will be at 7:00 with a work session at 6:30 p.m. NEW BUSINESS The Commissioners are setting up a Zoning Regulations Review Committee, and Planning Board members were invited to apply. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Milt Carlson, Chair Pro Tem a 0 0 Elizabeth Ontko, Recording Secretary KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION M [ UTES OF MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 1997 Work Session / There was a scheduled work session at 6:30 p.m. for an update on the Master Plan Update progress of the master plan update, and survey mail out. The scoping meeting is scheduled for September 16" at the Justice Center. CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Kalispell City -County Planning AND ROLL CALL Board and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:01 p.m. Board members present were Walter Bahr, Mike Conner, Pam Kennedy, Milt Carlson, Therese Hash, Robert Sanders, Jean Johnson, and Robert Lopp. Joe Brenneman had an excused absence. The Flathead Regional Development Office was represented by Steve Kountz, Senior Planner and Narda Wilson, Senior Planner. There were 10 people in the audience. APPROVAL OF The minutes of the meeting of August 12, 1997 were approved as written MINUTES on a motion by Bahr, second by Carlson. KALISELL President Hash introduced the public hearing on a request by the City of CONDITIONAL Kalispell for a conditional use permit to allow the operation of a museum USE PERMIT / in a P-1, Public zoning district. The building and site proposed for the MUSEUM IN P-1 museum are known as "Central School", an 1894 historic building in the DISTRICT Kalispell East Side Historic District. The property address is 124 Second Avenue East which is located between First Avenue East and Second Avenue East, and between First Street East and Second Street East. Staff Report Wilson gave a detailed presentation of report #KCU-97-8. The application met all the necessary criteria, and staff recommended approval, with no conditions attached. Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to those in favor of the conditional use permit to allow the proposed Central School museum. In Favor Ross Plambeck, Redevelopment Manager for the City of Kalispell, representing the City as the applicant for the project. He presented some architectural drawings, to show the scope of the project. James R MacDonald, the architect for the project, has a reputation for historic preservation. He commented that this building is structurally good. It has some roof problems, and problems with the seismic stability, but those issues will be addressed and brought up to all accessible codes. He was pleased with the adaptability of the building to put a museum in without a lot of structural changes. He went through the floor plan for the main floor, second floor, and lower floor. The main entrance will be available from the available short term, turnover parking on 2°d Avenue. Handicap accessablility will be on the north side. The attic will be developed into storage area, which is very important for a museum The two classrooms on the west side will become a flow through exhibit area. The Northwest Montana Historical Society will be developing those independent of the renovation of the building. There will be temporary exhibits through the hallways, public area, small office, gift shop, and tea room/cafe area, a staging area for catering. We won't be cooking meat or get into any more heavy duty code requirements for grease and fire suppression. It will be an area where we can do soups, sandwiches, catering and social events. All the public activities will be on the 1= and 2'd floors. The administrative offices and support services will be in the lower area, an intake room, for initial cleaning, etc., a mechanical room, break room, video conference room, photo archive storage, and alley access for large items. The second floor continues the large display areas, a living history classroom, which was chosen because of the integrity of the space, a community room for receptions, lectures, plays, musicals, etc. The building will be fully sprinkled. It can be brought up to as many codes as possible, which is unusual for an old building. The attic space has large trusses. It is not carrying the snow loads it should. They plan to take out some of those trusses and putting a collar against the roof. The beams will come down to a new flooring system, which will create a sheer panel across the whole flooring area, which will transfer the loads from the rood to the floor, to the outside walls, tie all the floor joists into the brick and get the seismic stability. If an earthquake occurs, the walls will move and shift, but will not move out and implode inward. This is a very creative way to deal with seismic without being intrusive to the historic character of the building. The street going through has added a lot of opportunity to that site, with the short term visitor parking, and good access for everyone. Lynda Collins, 302 Salish Court, said that she is not on the Board of the Historical Society, but I have watched this group of dedicated people, selflessly and tirelessly give of themselves over a period of years, so that they might give a bm itiful gift of history to the residents of the Flathead Valley, as well as to the many visitors who come here every year. The Northwest Montana Historical Society Board has given of their time, energy, talents, and money for this -project. Our valley is very rich in 2 history. We have turn of the century pioneers whose passion for the area caused them to build churches, schools, stores and homes. The Historical Society wants to preserve the valley's history, and how people lived during the different world events, such as the world wars, the great depression, the roaring `20's, and preserve memories of the timber industry. They feel it is of the utmost importance to dedicate space to show the culture of the early Native Americans. These are just a few ideas of what these creative members of the Historical Society want to share with the public. In order to give this gift to the community, all will continue to donate their time, energy and money to make this museum a success. To go forward with their dream they need your approval on this project. I urge you to vote in favor. Rick Riley, envisions the museum as not just a collection of old equipment and old photos, but as a dynamic entity which will be educational and valuable for all the citizens of northwest Montana. I've talked to museums in the region and have been sent information. Most of these museums have traveling displays, and once we are going, we can have that. We can have people come in and give lectures, and help with the historical aspects of this community and region. The $2.5 million that is earmarked to renovate this building is not just for a museum. The renovation would occur anyway, the building is on the U.S. Historical Register. None of the bearing walls are going to be disturbed. It will be brought up to code in many aspects. We hope that the idea of a museum will be a real asset to downtown Kalispell. About 16,000 people go through the Conrad Mansion each year. I envision that we can double that. The C.M. Russell Museum does $400,000 / year in their bookstore. Hopefully, we can have a ' similar income aspect. We see some real potential to help revitalize the downtown. Dolores Swanberg, President of Historical Society. I do not consider myself a public speaker, but I have no trouble talking about Central School. I was on a recent trip to Cornell University, and was invited to a facility coffee/tea reception. One gentleman came up to me, after my daughter introduced us, and he said "I understand that you folks have a Richardsonian Romanesque building in your area. I didn't realize there were any that far west. I hope that the people of your community realize what a jewel they have. There a few still standing up and down the east coast, but they have mostly all been renovated, and the interiors changed completely. Please, do not destroy the integrity of that building. You will have people to come to see an example of that type of architecture that people didn't change." We are very proud that Mr. MacDonald came up with a plan that uses the existing rooms that were there. It has been a school for over 100 3 years. We are just now beginning to recognize that we have a marvelous thing, and we are proud that we have had a small part in preserving this for the community. That is just the building. We hope that the museum will act as the central core for the Hockaday, the Conrad Mansion, and the surrounding business district to encourage the economic development of the whole area. We feel that most of the parking will be needed at night for evening activities. Nothing late, nothing disturbing. We feel it will be such an asset that you will consider giving it your approval. No one else spoke either in favor or in opposition to the proposal. The public hearing was closed and opened to Board discussion. It was noted, for the record, that a letter was received from Richard Goacher, who was in favor of the museum project, but had concerns about the parking. Board Discussion The Board was excited about the project, and agreed that they could not think of any conditions to place on the conditional use permit. Everything appears to be addressed in the architectural drawings. Ross Plambeck was asked to address the parking aspect that was raised by Mr. Goacher. Ross Plambeck stated that about 3 years ago, the ordinance was amended to address parking for the downtown district. We were inhibiting the redevelopment of the downtown area because of the inability to provide extra parking spaces. It needed to be looked at as a downtown issue. One of the goals of the avenue being extended was the short term parking for visitors, and the bus unloading area taken out of the congested P Avenue in front of Linderman School. The nighttime use of the parking lot is feasible, and that is why the elevator is on the north side for quick access. Working with the parking commission, there is an opportunity for shared use, leis unloading in the parking lot, and parking for staff members. The 1" Street section that the city put in from 1" Avenue West over to Yd Avenue East, dated over 100 additional parking spaces in the downtown. That has taken off some of the stress on the north end of town. The other goal the city hopes to explore in the future, as PTI and Pacific Power continue to restructure and change their nature of operation, is the storage yard off of a Avenue, to work with them to consolidate and seating parking for employees and Central School use. So, we have added a lot of on street parking that didn't exist there, and continue to maintain the parking lot north of the school through the parking commission. I don't see any particular negative 4 impact to Mr. Goacher. He doesn't have any designated off street parking for his clients, but I think he has benefited from that diagonal parking lot that the city has put in. I think we can continue to all benefit from that. We continue to deal with the parking issues. We also have a commitment from the school district for a few dozen spaces when we assume ownership of that property, and we are working with them to maintain that long term commitment. I don't see any radical change in the near future, but we will find solutions in the long run. Lopp commented that surrounding environment plays such a role in the attractiveness of the building. Any extension of current parking would be at the loss of lawn and landscaping, and really detracts from what you are trying to do with the building. Ross agreed. When we were exploring options for the plaza area, and ultimately the street was constructed. One of the scenarios included converting the south lawn to a parking lot. That did not receive a lot of favorable support from the community, the City Council or the Historical Society. That outdoor staging area is important for social functions, so we are trying to protect that green area and support the downtown. This has been an important project for Which Way Kalispell in goal setting sessions. Kennedy commented on the green space issue and the need for a continuing walkway. We have what is called "Avenue of the Arts" proceeding from the Hockaday, through Depot Park, to Central School, being able to walk to the Conrad Mansion and to Woodland Park, and to be able to have a truly safe environment to walk in. As part of that program, there is an active group in downtown Kalispell as part of revitalization, working on producing a project to have outdoor sculptures in the downtown mainstreet area, and proceeding down Vd Avenue, in this lawn area, proceeding to the Hockaday. I would hope that we would be able to maintain the green space. I think it is important for the downtown, it is important for the long term goals and viability of the downtown to have an inviting community in which people want to stay in and continue to shop and spend their time. I see this as being a positive attribute, and hope we can meet the parking requirements so people will find a space in order to go to a quality museum. We are so lacking in one, right now, that it will be wonderful to have one in place. Motion Bahr moved to adopt the report #KCU-97-8 as findings of fact and recommend that the City Council grant the conditional use permit. Conner seconded. By roll call vote, the motion carried on an unanimous vote in favor. 5 NEW BUSINESS It was noted that the next meeting will be on a Wednesday, October 15"`. The Master Plan update scoping meeting is scheduled for September 16" at, the Justice Center, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. All Planning Board members are asked to attend. Wilson gave an update on the relocation of the animal shelter. A public meeting will be held on September 16* before the County Board of Adjustment to provide a forum for the public to comment and garner information. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Therese Fox Hash, President Elizabeth Ontko, Recording Secretary 51 CITT OF r•i FLATEMAD REGIONALO - M CONDITIONAL USE PERM[IT REPORT , A report to the Kalispell City -County Planning Board and Kalispell City Council regarding a request by the City of Kalispell for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of a museum in a P-1, Public, zoning district. A public hearing on this matter has been scheduled before the planning board for September 9, 1997, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Kalispell City Council Chambers. The Planning Board will forward a recommendation to the Kalispell City Council for final action. A. Petitioner: Clarence Krepps, City Manager City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903-1997 (406)758-7701 B. Size and Location: The property proposed for operation as a museum is located between First Avenue East and Second Avenue East and between First Street East and Second Street east and contains an area of approximately one acre. The property can be described as the east half of Block 44, Lots 1 through 6, Kalispell Original located in Section 7, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana. C. Nature of Request: The applicants are requesting a conditional use permit to allow the rehabilitation and reuse of an existing historical building, Central School, which will serve as a regional museum and educational center. The three story building contains approximately 6,644 square feet on the basement, first and second floors. The attic contains approximately 6,200 square feet. The City of Kalispell has contracted with the Northwest Montana Historical Society through a long-term lease agreement to operate, manage and maintain the facility as a museum. The Kalispell City Council has committed approximately 2.5 million dollars to the renovation of the building. James R. McDonald Architects has been contracted by the City to prepare construction documents and bid specifications for the rehabilitation of the 1894 brick building. It is anticipated that the work would be completed by the end of 1998. D. Existing Land Use and Zoning: Central School has not been occupied for several years because of problems with the structural integrity of the building and currently remains vacant. The zoning for the property is P-1, Public. E. Surrounding Zoning and Land Uses Zoning: The land uses surrounding the Central School site are primarily commercial with some residential uses to the north. The specific land uses and zoning are as follows: North: Small businesses and residences; B-4 zoning South: Small businesses and theater; RA-3 zoning East: Linderman School; P-1 zoning West: Commercial area with a mix of small businesses; B-4 zoning F. G. 14 Master Plan Designation: This land use designation for this property is indicated on the Kalispell City -County Master Plan Map as public. This proposal can be found to be in compliance with the master plan. Utilities/ Services: Sewer service: Water service: Solid Waste: Gas: Electric: Phone: Police: Fire: Schools: City of Kalispell City of Kalispell City of Kalispell Montana Power Company Pacific Power (underground) PTI (underground) City of Kalispell Kalispell Fire Department School District #5, Kalispell Evaluation of the Request: Site Suitability: a. Adequate Useable Space: All of the parcels combined contain approximately one acre. The former school building currently exists and no significant exterior modifications will be made. There is a generous lawn and parking associated with the site as well as landscaping, lighting and sidewalks. - There is adequate useable space on the parcel to accommodate the proposed reuse of the building. b. Adequate Access: Access to the site would be taken primarily from Second Avenue East, a one way street with diagonal parking on the west side of the street. Pedestrian access can be obtained from any number of streets which have sidewalks and crosswalks in the immediate area. Access to the site is exceptionally good. C. Environmental Constraints: This property is generally level and has been fully developed in the past. There was some previous concerns regarding asbestos on and / or near the site which has been removed. There are no obvious environmental constraints associated with the property. Appropriate Design: a. Parking Scheme: This property is located in the Kalispell Downtown Parking District which is administered by the Kalispell Parking Commission. The district does not require additional parking for the reuse of existing buildings to encourage the use and occupancy of buildings in the downtown area and to keep the downtown core area vital. There are 23 diagonal parking spaces located on the west side of Second Avenue East and a parking lot containing 33 spaces to the north of the building. The parking along Second Avenue East is two hour parking. Museum staff can purchase parking permits from the parking commission for parking in the lot to the north. As part of the renovation of the building for use as a museum, the parking lot to the north will be resurfaced and storm drainage improvements made at that time. Additionally, an unloading are is planned near the .elevator or in the service alley to the west. Parking complies with the requirements of the zoning ordinance. 3. b. Traffic Circulation: Traffic circulation and access to the site is generally good with Second Avenue East to the east, Second Street East to the South, First Avenue East to the north and an alley to the west. Second Avenue East is a one way street which would be used primarily for short term parking in front of the building. Access for loading and long term parking can be gained by First Avenue East. Traffic circulation in and around the site appears to be adequate to accommodate the anticipated vehicle traffic associated with the operation of the museum as well as for emergency vehicles. C. Open Space: No formal open space requirements are required under the zoning ordinance other than the required setbacks, however, a nice lawn area exists to the south as well as boulevards along the east and north. Open space needs have been accomplished as shown on the site plan. d. Fencing/Screening/Landscaping: There is some landscaping currently existing on site with some large maple trees, lawn, antique street lighting and a mix of brick and concrete walkways. The site is near the heart of the downtown core which has been nicely upgraded during the past decade. No additional landscaping appears to be necessary to address concerns of compatibility and attractiveness. e. Sianage: A "Central School" sign will be placed at the formal entrance along the east side of the building and a National Register of Historic Places plaque will be located on the column also on the east side of the building. Availability of Public Services/Facilities: a. Schools: This property is within the boundaries of School District #5. Because this involves the reuse of an existing public building, no specific impacts on the school district can be anticipated as a result of this proposal. b. Parks and Recreation: No apparent impacts to the Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department appear to be associated with the proposed expansion, and will actually serve to expand the recreational activities available to the community. C. Police: This property is currently served by the Kalispell Police Department. No increased impacts to the police can be anticipated as a result of the proposed expansion. d. Fire Protection: Any issues related to fire protection and fire suppression within and around the building will be addressed at the time the building is rehabilitated and will conform to the requirements associated with this particular use. e. Water and Sewer: City water and sewer currently serve this site. There may be some modifications required to be made to the building. No significant impacts to the City water and / or sewer system can be anticipated as result of this proposal. L Solid Waste: Solid waste pick-up will be provided by the City of Kalispell. No significant impacts on the County landfill can be anticipated as a result of this development. M g. Roads: Primary access to the site will be gained from several City streets in the area, First Street East to the north (a one-way street east), Second Street East to the south and Second Avenue East to the east (a one-way street north). The streets in the area are in good condition and will be adequate to accommodate the additional traffic generated for the proposed use. h. Immediate Neighborhood Impact: The general character of this area is commercial with some residential uses to the north which have not yet converted to a commercial use. The overall impact to the area will be to restore the historical character of the area, providing a focal point for the downtown area and to provide for education opportunities within an easily accessible area. Additionally, it is likely that the renovation of this great historic building will be to maintain / enhance property values, improve the area aesthetically, provide economic stimulus and preserve the cultural / historical heritage of the community. REACTION OF NEARBY PROPERTY OWNERS A notice of public hearing was mailed to property owners within 150 feet of the subject property approximately 15 days prior to the hearing. At the time of writing the staff report, no comments have been received by the FRDO. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 1. The size and location of the site is adequate to accommodate the proposed project. 2. The site with regard to the location of the buildings, parking and setbacks can be brought into general compliance with the zoning and design standards of the City. 3. Existing public services and facilities are adequate to accommodate the proposed use. 4. Positive impacts to the immediate neighborhood and community can be anticipated such as aesthetic enhancement, economic stimulus and the preservation of the cultural heritage of the community. It is recommended that the Kalispell City -County Planning Board adopt staff report #KCU- 97-8 as findings of fact and recommend to the Kalispell City Council that the Conditional Use Permit be granted. H: \... \KCU 1 97\KCU978 2 }at' anuaAy le+id • A I 47 B ' ! i 1 Yii ! r Ll r c 4w 200 ii 4� - - - - - - ------------- - - - - -- - - i -.D 0 m r z u 7 the central school feasibility study for THE CITY OF KALISPELL, MONTANA ..� department of planning. economic ana com+nuniity development W � v c o X, A o 0 p £ o n 7 a �8 0 ° 71 3 SE ?2 °a° Vol 320 $aie °o o 34y 3A E t7w 3 a3Q �e'n a',on ito oiA 'oi o the central school feasibility study for THE CITY OF KALISPELL. MONTANA department of planning. economic and communiity development !1 0 f the central school feasibility study m ° = for =� THE CITY OF KALISPELL, MONTANA °�„ department of planning, economic and communiity development m _a 0 oQ I d • the central school feasibility study THE CITY OF KAUSPELL, MONTANA wd•partm•nt of planning, economic and communTity d.vlopm•nt : 7 Q7 a •'�., the central school feasibility study for E THE CITY OF KALISPELL, MONTANA e 3 department of planning, economic and eommuniity deveiopment NO g� � 99 James R. McDonald Central School Renovation Architects K&UspeU. Montana P.O. Box 887153 I � Montana 5 15843 James R. McDonald 8 Central School Renovation Architects Kabpel4 1lontaaa P.O. Bot 8163 Is—wa. M-t— Zip 59807 ?d 406.721.5643 W g s ' 13 James R. McDonald - Central School Renovation Poe Arc itects i. r. 50M ra 406.721-%C n g James R. McDonald Central School Renovation Architects Kel w[L ]myna P.O. Box 6163 Wsoule. 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